Putney Architects
Architects: Extensions, Loft & Basement Conversions, Conservation & Sustainable Design
Our Credentials
With decades of architectural experience and hundreds of successful projects, we bring proven expertise to every design challenge.
Years in Practice
Established in 1999
Completed Projects
Across Southwest London
Planning Success Rate
Including complex sites
Repeat Clients
Trusted relationships
Local Planning Mastery
We navigate the complex planning regulations of Putney and London wide with exceptional success rates.
Conservation Area Specialists
Our team excels at designing sensitive, contextual solutions that respect heritage while meeting modern needs.
Client-First Approach
We listen carefully to your needs and aspirations, creating designs that truly reflect your vision and lifestyle.
Technical Excellence
Our designs combine aesthetic appeal with technical precision, ensuring beautiful spaces that work as they should.
Celebrating 25 Years of Architectural Excellence in London and the South East
Since 1999, Andrew Catto Architects has been transforming properties across Southwest London. Led by Director Andrew Catto, who trained at the prestigious Architectural Association School, and long-term Director Melissa Lawrence Da Cunha, we bring decades of expertise in navigating the complexities of local planning and related policies, especially in conservation areas.
Our deep understanding of planning regulations across Hounslow, Richmond, Kingston, Merton, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth, Westminster and adjacent boroughs allows us to deliver projects that respect heritage while embracing contemporary living needs. From planning applications and appeals to sustainable renovations, our team has successfully completed hundreds of projects across your local area.
Exceptional Projects by Andrew Catto Architects
Browse our portfolio of residential and commercial, new builds, extensions, renovations, and sustainable designs that showcase our commitment to thoughtful, context-sensitive architecture.
Our Architectural Services
With 25 years of experience in Putney and Southwest London, we provide comprehensive architectural services tailored to your needs.
FEASIBILITY
Before you commit to a full project, we can look at your property and advise what changes or how big a build will be practical, what may be difficult or costly, and what is likely to get consent, saving time and cost later. If you are looking at buying a property to extend, an initial verbal assessment often needs just an hour or so on site and is great value if it saves you buying the wrong house.
OUTLINE DESIGN
Your requirements may be simple or complex, but getting the big picture and basic diagram right is at the heart of what we do and it's worth taking time to explore all options before getting down to detail. Where we differ is in working face to face with you at this stage to ensure you are happy with the plans before moving on to consents.
PLANNING PERMISSION
This is the topic that causes most frustration to house owners and professionals alike. Planning Permission controls the use, scale and external appearance of buildings. Almost all building works need this in some form although often we can show you how to avoid the need for full consent through "Permitted Development" or "Prior Notification". We will liaise with the planners, suggest specialists where needed, research policy and context, write the "Design & Access Statement" and other documents, prepare and follow up the application. We don't seem to need many Planning Appeals, but for tricky cases we can help you take this next step.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
These cover the technical aspects of construction, and apply to all building works, including many internal alterations and any change of use. There are rules on structure, fire precautions, energy use, heating, ventilation, drainage, disabled access, the safety of stairs and glazing etc. These are regularly revised and extended. Most alterations, and all new buildings now need complex heat loss calculations. We can handle all of this for you, and ensure that our designs comply at all stages.
GREENER CONSTRUCTION
As one of the first practices locally to be accredited to the Green Register, we aim to ensure that all of this is done in the most sustainable way, and will advise you on energy saving measures to include in your build. Ever rising prices make this the right time to look at generating at least some of your own energy.
LISTED BUILDINGS & CONSERVATION AREAS
Even more restrictions apply if your house is a "listed" building (rare) or in a "Conservation Area" (many of the nicer bits of London, and some that may surprise you). The presumption may be against change, but a lot is still often possible by working closely with the planners. Andrew Catto is SPAB trained in the repair and alteration of historic structures. We know our Arts & Crafts from our Art Deco and how to detail either.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Nobody's favourite phrase. But construction is dangerous, and the legislation to deal with this extends even into the early design stages. We will advise you of what is needed, and act as the 'Principal Designer' now required by law.
PARTY WALLS
For a lot of building work there is a legal requirement to give notice to and get an agreement with your neighbours. This can be surprisingly time-consuming, so we aim to get your initial notices out as soon as possible. Andrew & Melissa have years of experience as Party Wall Surveyors.
TENDERS, CONTRACTS AND DURING THE BUILD
Properly priced tenders and building contracts are the key to meeting your programme and avoiding price disputes with your builders. We can prepare schedules of work and pricing documents, advise on builders (we have a wide ranging list) and contracts, and seek tenders for both your main building contract and specialist elements. We can deal with all aspects of your building contract, checking the builder's work on site and agreeing payments due, or simply be available to advise when required.
What Our Clients Say
We take pride in our client relationships and the spaces we create together.
"This was our first renovation project, but we still decided to jump off the deep end and go for a full renovation of our flat. Andrew Catto architects were recommended to us by the builders who we were considering hiring (and eventually did hire for..."
"Working with Melissa and the team at Andrew Catto Architects has been the key to delivering our building project. Without her expertise and direction, we feel our space would not be half as inviting and flow so well. She works hard to timelines, and importantly..."
"Andrew and Melissa have worked diligently and patiently with us over a number of years. Given the planning and legal complexities involved with the project, this might have scared lesser practices off. We were however guided expertly through the process and our expectations professionally managed..."
"I can wholeheartedly recommend Andrew Catto and his team for loft extensions. They were professional and thorough throughout the project, and were able to guide me through pricing the project, selecting suitable builders, and arrange contracts and invoices. Melissa's eye for detail was invaluable, and..."
"Thank you Andrew for providing details of ETG Design & Build when myself and James were looking for work to be completed on our home, Tom and the team were fantastic – the quality of the work that was completed whilst remaining conscious of budget..."
"It was a pleasure to work alongside Melissa from Andrew Catto Architects and share our in-depth expertise and space planning in all aspects of Interiors to complement and enhance the architectural design presented to the client. Based on the clients requirements, wish list and budgets..."
"We wanted to say thank you again for your support in designing our dream home. We love the space and how everything flows well together."
"I engaged Andrew Catto Architects for both design and project management of a fairly small project which nevertheless required planning permission because I live in a Conservation Area. Andrew made some suggestions which improved the design ideas I'd already had. Melissa then managed things smoothly..."
"I can thoroughly recommend Andrew Catto and his team. We undertook a large side return and extension project in Putney and their professionalism and attention to detail throughout made the whole process go through seamlessly. From Andrew's initial meetings and careful plans through to Melissa's..."
"Melissa & Andrew handled the whole planning process, which can be extremely painful, professionally & thoroughly through to getting a satisfactory permission for a house on a difficult site. I am most grateful for all their hard work & excellent result."
"My husband and I found a property in central Putney that needed some drastic renovation. Although situated in a great location, it had an awkward layout and we also wanted to create a bit more space with a limited budget. As the house was in..."
"We really appreciated the hard work that Andrew and his team put it to ensure that our kitchen renovation plans matched our requirements, adapting to our specifications, budget and the changes we asked for. The detail they put into the tender documents and the final..."
"Throughout the process, the team generated great ideas, worked incredibly well with us and our selected builders delivering a superb home for our family. We cannot thank Andrew, Melissa and the team enough for their professionalism and abilities. It made the design and build process..."
"I'm still extremely pleased with all the work done and the design. I'm still really pleased with the outcome – it's a great place to live with all the additional light!"
"I found your website through a google search and really fell in love with the tone and information provided - I felt in good hands from the start!"
"We are so pleased with everything you have done for us. Andrew for advising us on our dream kitchen, Melissa for getting the project up and running and recommending Tom from ETG Design and Build, whose team did an amazing job ahead of time and..."
"What a great job. Thank you so very much for all your hard work and attention to detail in providing our extension. It was such a pleasure and support having you as our architect. All our best wishes."
"We initially chose Andrew Catto Architects for our building project because they had a wealth of local experience and clearly understood the house and what we wanted to do. They have been incredibly supportive through the whole process and made the planning and party wall..."
"As owner of this building I am pleased to have the opportunity to say what a pleasure it has been to work with Melissa and the team at Andrew Catto Architects. Throughout the project, from selecting a contractor out of the quotations received, over-seeing the..."
"Melissa and Andrew, thank you very much for your help with our Eastway house renovation. We're nearly finished and look forward to it being finalised by Christmas. The design has made all the difference - we are loving the light and high ceilings in the..."
Latest News
Stay updated with our latest projects and architectural insights.
• 5 min read
Why you should choose a local architect
Choosing a local architect means working with someone who truly understands the character, planning rules, and building culture of your area, which often leads to smoother approvals, more accurate cost estimates, and a more efficient build. A local architect can visit the site easily, respond quickly to issues, and design spaces that fit both the neighbourhood and your lifestyle.
• 6 min read
5 Party Wall mistakes that could derail your home extension
5 Party Wall Mistakes
• 4 min read
Extension
What extensions are allowed in Putney and likely costs for rear, side, single and two storey building projects.
Book a Consultation
Tell us about your project and we'll arrange an initial consultation — with no obligation.
Every project begins with a conversation.
Established 1999 · Putney, London
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